Hollywood_Yoda Tom Cruise gives a great performance as Ron Kovic, a veteran who virtually lost everything, including his legs, fighting in Vietnam. After his return, he becomes an advocate against the war. Both Oliver Stone, the director, and Ron Kovic, the writer both served in the war.Stone gives us a gruesome inside look into the horrors of war, including the return to civilian life after. The return for many was difficult, leading many to commit or attempt suicide. The country they came back to was changed was ungrateful (at the time) of their service, slamming them as "baby killers" and such. They came back to their fellow citizens who were against the war. Some veterans were, as well. Kovic was one.After his return, Kovic championed for human rights and fought against the Vietnam war. Eventually, he wrote the book in which this film was based. Every day, especially July 4th, thank a veteran for their service, it wasn't always their choice to go fight. Nor, were all conscientious objectors who got out of going.Thank you to all veterans!!

M MALIK this films story is serious its a political drama film directed by Oliver Stone i don't like his films but have to say this one is the best.this film is about adventures of a Vietnam war veteran who looses his legs during a mission in war.i wont go into much detail of the story or other things but as a hardcore tom cruise fan i picked this up without any expectations & i was blown away its got action,drama & comedy all in one the best thing was the dialogues & funny situations like when tom cruise & willem dafoe at one point starts arguing & spitting & each other while sitting on wheelchairs on a deserted road is the most laugh out loud scene ever.tom cruise is the main highlight here he talks about how war affects people both in serious & comedy scenes.Born On The Fourth Of July 1989 is a must watch film for everyone for people who say tom cruise cant act i say just forget his mission impossible action films for once & see him in either cocktail,eyes wide shut & even collateral 2004 where he plays a assassin Or this one he can rally go into the character deep & bring out something amazing.my rating for this film is 10/10 Recommended

Dominic LeRose Oliver Stone's political war film calculates everything wrong with the Vietnam War perfectly. We follow one solider (Tom Cruise) named Ron Kovic, paralyzed in the Vietnam war who is strongly anti-war and pro-human rights after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for. So many men like this real-life hero have gone through the same emotional and psychical torture from the Civil War to the Iraq War. Oliver Stone raises important political questions about how we treat our veterans, but more importantly, he has us wonder if serving our country with our corrupt government is worth fighting for. With many philosophical questions regarding America and war, Oliver Stone crafts his best film that is an American classic. Tom Cruise gives his strongest and most heartbreaking performance, nailing every detail regarding his complex and demanding role. Cruise doesn't get too Hollywood on us, but rather portrays a struggling man filled with goals and wonder who ends up being driven to a different war, the war for veterans and the democracy of America.

gamay9 Why does Sundance air this film on Independence Day....it is an anti-war movie? I'm a Vietnam veteran and know that Redford is a liberal a-hole. What war do Redford and Oliver Stone think was patriotic and necessary? Probably none; 'ich spreche Deutsch' and would, if we had not entered WWII. There were many 'goofs' in this film.....check them out, including Mickey Mantle hitting HR #491 at the wrong time. Actually, Hank Aaron was a much better player than Mantle, but Milwaukee was 'Bush League' in 1957 when they took the Yankees 4 games to 3.... according to the New York media, which felt that NYC was the only city that counted. The acting was superior, probably the best of Tom Cruise's career, which is why I rate the film as a '7.' Oliver Stone had been wiser if he left the screenplay up to Ron Kovic, instead of meddling and taking credit as a co-screenwriter. Who knew more of Ron's experiences than himself?